Coogee Beach Archives

Coogee Sands Hotel Closure Signals End Of Long-Running Beach Stay

A long-standing accommodation site in Coogee will close after the Coogee Sands Hotel & Apartments was sold, with redevelopment planned for the beachfront property.

Final Checkout Approaches In Coogee

Coogee Sands Hotel & Apartments has confirmed it will cease operations, with final guests expected to depart on 24 April. The site has been sold, and new owners are set to carry out substantial renovations and redevelopment of the building.

Bookings scheduled after 16 April have been cancelled, with the hotel advising that affected guests will be contacted directly with further information.

Sydney accommodation — *Photo Credit: Coogee Sands/Instagram*

Decades Of Beachside Stays

Operating for more than five decades, the property has been part of the Coogee Beach accommodation landscape since it was first built in 1973 and later renovated in 1999.

Located close to the shoreline, the hotel provided a consistent option for visitors seeking practical stays near Coogee Beach. Over time, it became associated with holidays, family gatherings and repeat visits from returning guests.

Coogee hotel closure — *Photo Credit: Coogee Sands/Instagram*

Travel Plans Disrupted As Bookings Cancelled

The closure has affected guests with upcoming reservations, including those who had planned stays later in the year. Some travellers are now seeking alternative accommodation options following the cancellation of bookings beyond mid-April.

Available options in the area include hotels at higher price points as well as short-term rental properties, limiting choice for those seeking lower-cost stays.

Community Reaction Highlights Affordability Concerns

Discussion among locals has reflected concern about affordability and reduced accommodation options in Coogee. Some noted that the hotel had been used for visiting family members, particularly as other nearby stays had become more expensive.

Others raised concerns about the short notice provided for cancelled bookings, while expressing disappointment at the closure of a long-running accommodation option.

Coogee Sands closure — *Photo Credit: Coogee Sands/Instagram*

Redevelopment Plans Remain Unclear

While redevelopment of the site is planned, details about the future design and use of the property have not been publicly outlined.

The closure marks the end of a long-established accommodation site in Coogee, with uncertainty remaining about what will replace it once redevelopment is complete.

Published 25-Mar-2026

Coogee Beach Amenities And Café Pavilion Approved At Arden Street

Photo Credit: Sam Crawford Architects

A new public amenities and café pavilion at Coogee Beach has received development approval, clearing the way for the replacement of the existing amenities building at 199 Arden Street.

Approval And Application Details

The proposal is listed as Development Application DA/906/2025. Records show the application was lodged on 29 August 2025 and approved on 19 December 2025, with the determination letter issued on 7 January 2026.

The approved works include demolition of existing structures and construction of a new public amenities building and associated structures. These include a bus shelter, kiosk, covered outdoor seating, storage areas, signage and landscaping works. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2027–28.

public amenities upgrade — *Photo Credit: Sam Crawford Architects*

Design And Facilities

The pavilion has been designed by Sam Crawford Architects and is planned as three single-level modules linked by a curved concrete roof.

The layout provides male and female toilets, accessible and all-gender bathrooms, and a communal washbasin. Project information states the number of toilets will double compared with the existing facilities. Storage is allocated for operations and the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club, along with a bus driver’s toilet and improved bus shelter seating with weather protection.

A café with an enlarged kitchen and outdoor seating area is oriented towards the beach and parklands.

Cultural And Environmental Response

Project descriptions outline Connecting with Country principles developed in collaboration with Bangawarra. The building form is described as a sweeping arc reflecting the coastline and positioned between the main street and the coastal edge.

Design features include skylights for natural light and ventilation, and a slightly raised floor level to address flood risk while retaining existing trees. Materials specified include off-form concrete, face brickwork, anodised aluminium battens, stainless steel and a U-glass façade system acting as a wind screen for the bus shelter.

Coogee Beach pavilion — *Photo Credit: Sam Crawford Architects*

Pavement and façade patterning reference local Dharawal lore relating to coastal ecology and crayweed management. Landscape works by Oculus incorporate endemic planting and integrated seating areas.

The new pavilion replaces timber and tiled amenities constructed in the 1980s that were no longer considered fit for purpose.

Published 15-Feb-2026

Five Coogee SLSC Members Receive National Medals For Long Service

Photo Credit: Coogee SLSC/Facebook

Five members from Coogee SLSC have been recognised with National Medals, placing the historic beachside club among a select group of volunteers nationally acknowledged for long and sustained service in surf lifesaving roles across Australia.

National Recognition For Coogee SLSC Service

The honours were awarded through Surf Life Saving Australia as part of the Australian honours system, which recognises volunteers who have completed a minimum of 15 years of eligible patrol service.

The Coogee SLSC recipients are Heather Hawkins, Doug Hawkins, Peter Hooker, Aonghus Murray and Melinda Toomey. Each member met strict service requirements based on verified patrol seasons and operational duties. The service reflects long-term involvement in surf lifesaving at Coogee Beach.

What The National Medal Represents

The National Medal is awarded for long and diligent service in roles involving risk to life and public safety. Within surf lifesaving, eligibility is measured through approved patrol records rather than overall membership length.

Service does not need to run continuously, but only recognised patrol seasons count toward qualification. Applications are assessed at club, state, and national levels. Final approval follows through the federal honours process to ensure a consistent national standard.

Coogee SLSC’s Longstanding Community Role

Founded in 1907, Coogee Surf Life Saving Club is one of Australia’s oldest surf lifesaving clubs. It is a foundation club of the national movement and helped shape early beach patrols and lifesaving practices in New South Wales.

Today, Coogee SLSC remains a major volunteer organisation. Hundreds of members support patrols each season, youth programs, training pathways, and community events at Coogee Beach.

Local Service Reflected In National Honours

The recognition of five Coogee members highlights the depth of long term service within the club and the commitment required to maintain beach safety year after year. Their awards reflect years of early mornings, weekend patrols and public holiday shifts focused on protecting swimmers and beachgoers.

For the local community, the honours provide formal recognition of volunteer service that supports everyday safety at one of Sydney’s busiest beaches.

Published 29-December-2025

Australia Day Alcohol Restrictions Follow Christmas Day Clean-Up at Coogee Beach

Photo Credit: DylanParker/Facebook

Alcohol restrictions at beaches and parks will be enforced on Australia Day 2026, amid increased focus on crowd behaviour after an unofficial Christmas Day gathering at Coogee Beach left large volumes of rubbish across the foreshore and required an overnight clean-up.

Alcohol Ban to Apply Across Beaches and Parks

Alcohol will be prohibited at beaches, parklands and selected foreshore areas across parts of Sydney from 12:01 a.m. on January 26 until midday the following day. Signage will be installed at affected locations, and enforcement powers allow for alcohol confiscation and fines where breaches occur.

Crowds Redirected to Coogee Beach

The annual backpacker Christmas gathering, often referred to as Backpacker Christmas or Orphans Christmas, took place at Coogee Beach after warnings were issued against celebrations at nearby beaches. Restrictions and safety concerns elsewhere led many revellers to relocate, with attendance estimates reaching about 15,000 people.

The gathering was not an organised event, and authorities did not have confirmation of its final location until crowds arrived.

Christmas Day crowds — *Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil/Facebook*

Waste Volume and Clean-Up Operation

By the evening of Christmas Day, cleaning crews began clearing rubbish from the beach and surrounding parkland. More than 20 tonnes of waste were removed, including litter scattered across the sand, grassy areas, and pedestrian paths.

Crews worked through the night into Boxing Day to restore the area. By Friday morning, the beach and reserve had largely returned to normal use.

Coogee Beach Christmas — *Photo Credit: RandwickCityCouncil/Facebook*

Logistical Challenges on the Day

Additional bins, signage, and cleaning staff were deployed in anticipation of large crowds. However, the size and density of the gathering made it difficult for waste crews to access overflowing bins until later in the evening.

Alcohol-free conditions were in place across the beach and park areas. Lifeguards issued safety warnings during the day, particularly about swimming while drinking.

Community Reaction

Community response following the event was mixed. Some residents and attendees expressed frustration at the volume of rubbish and reports of public urination caused by long toilet queues. Others noted that many people cleaned up after themselves despite the scale of the crowd.

On Boxing Day, some locals returned to assist with additional litter collection, citing safety concerns for children, pets, and beach users.

Ongoing Considerations

The Christmas Day gathering highlighted ongoing challenges associated with managing large, informal crowds at coastal locations. With attendance patterns shifting between beaches, planning and resource allocation remain complex for future holiday periods.

Published 27-Dec-2025

Malabar Wastewater System Linked to Beach Debris in Coogee

Photo Credit: RCC/Facebook

Sydney Water’s Malabar Wastewater Treatment System has been identified as the likely source of debris balls that washed up on Coogee and other NSW beaches between October 2024 and February 2025.

Background and Findings

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed the findings following an investigation that traced the origin of the debris to the Malabar system. The determination was based on evidence collected by Sydney Water under a Preliminary Investigation Notice. An independent wastewater expert panel reviewed the findings in September 2025 and advised further studies to identify specific sources within the system.

Coogee beach debris — *Photo Credit: RCC/Facebook*

Scientific Explanation

A scientific report obtained by other media found that fats, oils and greases had accumulated inside sewer pipes before being dislodged by heavy rainfall and expelled through the Malabar ocean outfall. These materials later formed the debris balls that appeared on beaches, including Coogee.

Wave action and ocean conditions allowed the debris to move across several beaches between October 2024 and February 2025.

Composition and Contributing Factors

Tests indicated that the debris balls contained soap scum, cosmetics, human hair, petroleum hydrocarbons, fatty acids, and bacteria linked to wastewater. The main cause was the build-up of fats, oils and grease within the network. Population growth and an increasing number of food outlets were identified as contributing factors.

Preventive Measures and Upgrades

Sydney Water said investigations are continuing to shape short-, medium-, and long-term measures to prevent future incidents, with completion expected by the end of 2025.

The utility is implementing new programs to reduce fats, oils and grease entering the wastewater system and upgrading infrastructure across Sydney. Planned projects include upgrades to the Malabar, Bondi, and Georges River systems, improvements at North Head, and a new facility at Camellia by 2031.

Support for Local Councils

Sydney Water has acknowledged the financial impact of clean-up operations and committed to assisting local councils with related costs. Claims between Palm Beach and Gerroa will be reviewed based on wind and tide data.

Community Awareness and Next Steps

Residents are urged not to touch debris balls and to report sightings immediately through Sydney Water’s 24-hour hotline. The EPA will continue working with Sydney Water as investigations progress and will update the public when new information becomes available.

Published 3-Nov-2025

Community Celebrates Children’s Story Festival at Coogee Beach

Photo Credit: Samera Kamaleddine Author/Facebook

Families and local authors gathered at Coogee Beach for a Children’s Story Festival, offering an afternoon of storytelling, art, and writing activities for young readers.

Storytelling Afternoon Engages Local Families

The Children’s Story Festival took place at Coogee Beach Club on 12 October from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., bringing together authors, illustrators, and children from across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Organised by the Eastern Suburbs branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA), the event was designed to encourage creativity and a love of reading among preschool and primary school-aged children.

Activities and Creative Sessions

Attendees joined a range of free activities, including drawing, writing, and craft workshops led by local creators. Visitors also met children’s authors such as Samera Kamaleddine and illustrators like Carla Hoffenberg, who guided interactive sessions designed to spark imagination and inspire storytelling.

Children’s Story Festival — *Photo Credit: Samera Kamaleddine Author/Facebook*

Local Authors Join the Celebration

Australian author Susanne Gervay participated in the festival, joining other creators to share stories and creative insights. Earlier in the week, Gervay and Hoffenberg visited La Perouse Public School, engaging students in storytelling and art as part of the broader celebration of children’s literature.

Community Involvement at Coogee Beach

The event was supported by Coogee Beach Club, which hosted the afternoon’s activities, and Harry Hartog Bondi Junction, which provided book sales on-site. The festival formed part of the local spring school holiday program, drawing families and book enthusiasts to the beachside venue for a relaxed and educational experience.

CBCA Eastern Suburbs — *Photo Credit: Samera Kamaleddine Author/Facebook*

Fostering a Love of Reading

The Children’s Story Festival at Coogee Beach reflected a shared community goal of promoting reading and creativity among young audiences. With the participation of local authors and illustrators, the event highlighted the continuing strength of children’s literature in Sydney’s coastal communities.

Published 13-Oct-2025

Police Issue Fines Over E-Bike Rules in Coogee

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Police have issued fines in Coogee as part of a crackdown on riders using footpaths, with new signs along the beachfront leaving some residents confused.

Crackdown at Coogee Beach

Police carried out enforcement operations along the Coogee promenade, targeting people riding bikes, e-bikes and scooters on footpaths. Officers issued fines under New South Wales road rules, which prohibit riders aged 16 and over from using footpaths. On-the-spot penalties of $114 can be applied.

Signage Raises Questions

Randwick Council recently installed purple corflute signs on Arden Street near Coogee Beach as part of an ongoing campaign with police. The “walk your ride” posters, showing figures holding a skateboard, bike and scooter, were designed to encourage people to dismount on footpaths. Some locals said the messaging was unclear, while others found the signs straightforward.

Coogee e-bike crackdown — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Wider Safety Concerns

The campaign followed complaints from residents about near misses and collisions involving bikes and pedestrians on busy walkways. Police and council rangers also carried out a joint operation on 29 and 30 August across Coogee, Maroubra, Kensington and Randwick. Authorities said the aim was to reduce conflict between delivery riders, cyclists and pedestrians in crowded areas.

Rules for E-Bike Riders

Under NSW law, riders must wear approved helmets, keep speeds below 25 km/h, and use pedal assistance rather than motor-only propulsion. Illegal modifications, petrol-powered bikes or exceeding power limits can result in fines over $800. Revenue NSW has reported 408 infringement notices statewide so far in 2025.

Community Reaction in Coogee

Reactions from the community have been divided. Some residents supported the crackdown, saying bikes on footpaths posed risks, particularly to elderly pedestrians. Others described the enforcement as heavy-handed and called for clearer signage and improved cycling infrastructure. Social media comments ranged from support for police to criticism of revenue raising.

Looking Ahead

Randwick Council has stated that more “walk your ride” signs will appear across eastern suburbs town centres. Police have indicated that visible patrols and enforcement will continue in Coogee to address safety concerns around shared spaces.

Published 28-Sep-2025

Coogee Beach to Get $7 Million Stormwater Fix to Clean Up Polluted Waters

Coogee Beach is set to receive a $7-million upgrade to stop polluted stormwater from flowing directly across the sand after heavy rain.

Why Coogee Beach Needs This Upgrade

The $7 million project, funded through the NSW Government’s 2025–26 budget, will be delivered with Randwick City Council and Sydney Water. It involves building a new underground pump station and pressure mains to divert stormwater further offshore.

Coogee Beach has long faced water pollution issues after rain, with stormwater carrying debris and waste directly onto the sand. This has led to repeated “poor” water quality ratings and safety warnings from Beachwatch.

Locals have often avoided the beach after storms, despite its popularity. The upgrade is expected to improve stormwater management and make the beach safer for public use.

What the Project Involves

The core of the project is a new pump station that will intercept stormwater before it reaches the beach. This water will then be moved through new pressure pipes and into a previously unused Sydney Water tunnel, which leads to a discharge point further offshore. This offshore location will help break down and dilute contaminants away from swimmers and shoreline users.

The NSW Government is contributing $3 million, with the remaining funds coming from Randwick City Council and Sydney Water. Construction is expected to begin later in 2025, following planning approvals.

Community and Council Response

Local officials say the project directly addresses community concerns about beach pollution and closures. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said improving Coogee Beach’s water quality has been a key council priority. Minister for Water Rose Jackson stated that residents are fed up with stormwater pollution and this upgrade is a major step forward.

She said the goal is to keep the beach clean and safe, even after heavy rain. Sydney Water’s acting CEO Paul Plowman said the works will improve the swimming experience by keeping runoff out of the surf.

What It Means for Locals and Visitors

The upgrade is expected to improve conditions at Coogee Beach, especially during Sydney’s wetter months. Cleaner water will mean safer swimming, fewer closures, and a better experience for locals and visitors.

Many hope the beach’s reputation will finally match its water quality. While experts note it won’t stop all pollution during major storms, it’s a major step in managing coastal runoff. The project follows years of community calls to address the issue, with work now underway.

Published 03-July-2025

Stormwater Diversion Project Approved for Coogee Beach

Photo Credit: NSW Gov

A $7-million infrastructure project will address long-standing stormwater pollution at Coogee Beach.

Long-Term Issue at Coogee Beach Gets Solution

A decades-long concern over pollution at Coogee Beach is being addressed through a proposed plan to divert stormwater away from the shoreline. Local officials are investing $7 million in a project that aims to improve water quality and protect public health at the popular beach.

Historical Pollution Concerns

Stormwater contamination at Coogee Beach has been an issue for years, particularly following heavy rainfall. The current outlet, located at the northern end of the beach, discharges stormwater containing a mix of pollutants, including petrochemicals and faecal matter.

Since at least 2016, Coogee Beach has consistently received “poor” water quality ratings in the NSW Government’s Beachwatch reports. This has placed it among the lowest-rated ocean beaches in Sydney, alongside others like Bronte and Malabar.

Local surf lifesaving groups and resident organisations have long raised concerns about the health risks and the need for an infrastructure upgrade.

Project Details and Implementation

The plan includes construction of a new underground pump station and pressure mains. Stormwater will be rerouted through an existing but rarely used Sydney Water tunnel and discharged further north, away from Coogee Bay.

The new discharge point will be off Dunningham Reserve. The aim is to stop stormwater from running across the beach after rainfall, thereby improving water quality and reducing health hazards for swimmers.

The initiative will be co-funded by the NSW Government, Randwick City Council and Sydney Water. Work is scheduled to begin later this year, subject to planning and approvals.

Limited Alternatives, Clear Preference

While previous efforts included gross pollutant traps, these have not proven sufficient. Local stakeholders emphasised the need for a more permanent solution, leading to the selection of the tunnel-based diversion system as the most viable option.

Community Support and Response

Local surf lifesaving officials noted the ongoing impact of beach closures after rain, including disrupted events and health concerns for swimmers and rescuers.

Resident advocacy groups, such as Coogee Residents Against Polluting Stormwater, have welcomed the plan, having campaigned for improved water management for years.

Local representatives have described the development as a community-driven result that balances environmental, health and tourism priorities.

Next Steps

Construction is expected to begin within the year. Once complete, the system will reroute polluted stormwater away from Coogee Beach to maintain cleaner water conditions year-round.

Published 24-June-2025

Rick Stein Family Expands Australian Culinary Footprint with Coogee Flagship

Photo Credit: Rick Stein at Coogee Beach

Celebrated British chef Rick Stein and his Australian wife Sarah are establishing their most significant Australian culinary venture yet, a new flagship restaurant right on the beachfront in Coogee.

The new establishment, named Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, is scheduled to open its doors in November, positioned on the ground floor of the incoming Intercontinental Sydney Coogee Beach at 224 Arden Street.

This oceanfront space is designed to accommodate 224 diners, offering a signature restaurant experience, a bar dining area, and a courtyard terrace.

A Personal Connection to Coogee

Photo Credit: Rick Stein at Coogee Beach

Mr Stein said Coogee Beach was another stunning coastal location for their Australian restaurant portfolio, noting its laid-back charm. He added that the venture held special meaning for him because his wife, Sarah, grew up in Sydney. Sarah Stein will play a key role in the project, overseeing both its public relations and interior design.

Emphasising Local Seafood and Family History

The menu at Rick Stein at Coogee Beach will uphold the brand’s long-standing philosophy: showcasing fresh Australian seafood cooked simply. Dishes are set to feature local catches such as mahi mahi from Nelson Bay, pipis from Port Stephens, and line-caught mackerel from Ulladulla.

The restaurant will also serve Stein’s signature Singapore Chilli Crab, prepared with blue swimmer crabs sourced from Nelson Bay, alongside his well-known fish and chips, complete with mushy peas.

*Photo Credit:* *Rick Stein at Coogee Beach*

The family business has celebrated fresh seafood and hospitality for 50 years. Rick and Jill Stein first opened The Seafood Restaurant in Padstow in 1975, quickly gaining international recognition for their imaginative cooking of fresh fish and shellfish.

Over the decades, their portfolio grew to include hotels, bistros, cafés, delis, patisseries, and other dining experiences across the UK, before expanding to Australia.

Growing Australian Presence

This new Coogee restaurant marks the third Australian venture for the Rick Stein brand. It follows the successful openings of his two other holiday diners at Bannisters hotels in Mollymook (opened in 2009) and Port Stephens (opened in 2018). The Australian operations, including the new Coogee location, fall under the Salter Brothers banner.

Salter Brothers acquired the Bannisters Group in 2024, expanding their significant property management in Australia, which includes more than 44 hotels. Paul Salter, managing director of Salter Brothers, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing the distinctive, yet approachable, fresh seafood experience to Coogee Beach.

Published Date 13-Jun-2025